Logging can be a challenging yet rewarding task, especially when dealing with massive trees. Whether you’re a professional or a weekend warrior, knowing the right techniques is essential for safely and efficiently managing large logs. In this post, we’ll walk you through a real-world scenario where a small tractor, a hydraulic skidding winch, and some well-honed skills were used to handle a giant tree.
Taking on a Monster Tree
We just tackled a large tree using a compact tractor paired with a powerful hydraulic winch. The goal was to cut the tree, pull out the butt log, and extract the top for firewood. Given the size of the tree and the limitations of the tractor, this was no small feat. The key to success was using a methodical approach: first, we chokered the log while it was still suspended, then carefully planned our cuts to ensure the tree wouldn’t roll uncontrollably. By using the hydraulic winch to feather the pull, we were able to safely extract the log without damaging the equipment or the surrounding environment.
3 Key Tips for Success
Plan Your Cuts Carefully: When dealing with large trees, it’s crucial to plan your cuts to control the tree’s movement. Start by cutting a third of the way through the log from the top, then make an undercut. This technique helps prevent the tree from rolling unpredictably, which can be dangerous and cause damage to your equipment.
Use a Hydraulic Winch for Heavy Loads: A hydraulic winch can make all the difference when pulling large logs. It provides the power needed to move heavy loads that a small tractor alone might struggle with. Be sure to feather the winch, especially when dealing with uneven terrain or large trees that could tip the tractor.
Choker the Log Before Cutting: Chokering the log while it’s still suspended saves you the hassle of getting the choker chain under the log after it has fallen. This step simplifies the process and ensures you’re ready to pull the log immediately after making your cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a small tractor really pull a large tree?
Yes, with the help of a hydraulic winch, a small tractor can handle surprisingly large loads. The winch provides the extra pulling power needed, allowing the tractor to move logs that would otherwise be too heavy to handle.
2: How do I prevent a tree from rolling when cutting?
To prevent a tree from rolling, make a controlled cut by first slicing a third of the way through the log from the top, then making an undercut. This method reduces the risk of the tree rolling unpredictably and helps you maintain control during the cutting process.
3: What should I do if the tractor starts to lift during a pull?
If the front of the tractor begins to lift, it’s a sign that the load is too heavy or the terrain is uneven. In this case, feather the hydraulic winch to gradually release the tension and bring the tractor back down. This technique helps maintain stability and prevents the tractor from tipping over.
Mastering the art of logging, especially with large trees, requires the right tools, techniques, and a lot of practice. By following these tips and being mindful of safety precautions, you can handle even the most challenging logging tasks with confidence and efficiency. Whether you’re pulling firewood or clearing land, the right approach will make all the difference in your success.
Mastering the Use of a Self-Releasing Snatch Block: Key Tips for Success
When it comes to tree pulling or logging operations, the self-releasing snatch block is an essential tool that can make your work easier, safer, and more efficient. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to forestry, mastering this piece of equipment can significantly improve your productivity. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process and share some key tips for success to help you get the most out of your snatch block.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the tips, it’s important to understand what a self-releasing snatch block does. Essentially, it’s a pulley system that helps redirect the path of your winch cable, allowing you to pull trees or logs from different angles. The “self-releasing” feature means that when the log reaches the block, the cable is automatically released, allowing it to go directly to the winch without manual intervention. This not only speeds up your work but also enhances safety by minimizing the need to manually adjust the equipment.
3 Key Tips for Success
Proper Setup is Crucial: The effectiveness of your snatch block largely depends on how well it’s set up. Always ensure that the yellow side of the block is facing up and that the pulley is pointed downward. This setup is designed to maximize the efficiency of the self-releasing mechanism. When attaching the block to a tree, make sure the strap is secure but not so tight that it damages the tree. A properly positioned snatch block will ensure smooth operation and reduce the risk of accidents.
Cable Management is Key: Managing your winch cable is another critical aspect of using a snatch block effectively. Always make sure the cable is snug before starting your pull, as loose cables can lead to dangerous snaps or unexpected releases. When pulling multiple trees, as demonstrated in the video, keep sliders and hooks organized and away from the main line of pull to prevent entanglements. A well-managed cable not only improves safety but also ensures that your pulls are as efficient as possible.
Safety First: Safety should always be your top priority when working with heavy equipment like snatch blocks. A key safety tip is to never step over a winch cable. If the cable suddenly tightens, it could cause serious injury. Instead, step on the cable if you need to cross it—this way, if the cable tightens, it will only push you forward or backward, minimizing the risk of a major injury. Also, always make sure that everyone stays clear of the inside corner of your pull, as this is where the most tension and risk are concentrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: How do I know if my snatch block is set up correctly?
A: Ensure the yellow side is up and the pulley is pointed downward. Double-check that the strap is secure but not overly tight to avoid damaging the tree or causing the block to malfunction.
2: What should I do if the cable slips or doesn’t release properly?
A: If the cable slips or fails to release, stop immediately. Recheck the setup of your snatch block, especially the position of the dog and the pulley. Make sure everything is aligned properly, and the cable is snug before attempting to pull again.
3: How can I prevent damage to the trees I’m pulling from?
A: Use the strap that comes with the snatch block and ensure it’s not too tight. This will protect the bark and minimize damage to the tree. Additionally, make sure the block is properly positioned to reduce stress on the tree during the pull.
By following these tips and staying aware of potential pitfalls, you can make your tree-pulling operations smoother, safer, and more effective. Remember, the right setup and a focus on safety will ensure that you get the most out of your self-releasing snatch block. Happy logging!
What Are the Advantages of Owning an Electric Firewood Bundler?
If you’re in the business of selling firewood, you know that bundling it efficiently can make a significant difference in your productivity and profitability. One of the best tools for this task is an electric firewood bundler. Unlike manual bundlers, which require physical effort and time, an electric firewood bundler automates the process, saving you both energy and time. But what are the specific advantages of owning one? Let’s dive in!
How Fast Does the Hud-Son Electric Firewood Bundler Work?
Speed is a crucial factor when it comes to bundling firewood, especially if you’re running a business. The Hud-Son Electric Firewood Bundler wraps a bundle in just six seconds per revolution. While that may sound slow, it’s actually a perfect speed for ensuring each bundle is wrapped securely and consistently. This speed allows you to maintain a steady workflow, reducing downtime and increasing the number of bundles you can produce in a day.
How Big Do You Need to Make Firewood Bundles?
The size of the firewood bundles you produce can vary depending on your market and customer preferences. However, a standard size is usually around 16 inches in length, which fits well into most fireplaces and wood stoves. The electric firewood bundler allows you to customize the size of your bundles easily. You can adjust the tension and wrap the bundles tightly to ensure they stay intact during transport and storage. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of using an electric model.
How to Bundle Firewood to Sell?
Bundling firewood to sell involves more than just wrapping it up; it’s about presenting a product that is neat, secure, and appealing to customers. First, stack your firewood neatly in a Preload Basket to organize your workflow efficiently. This accessory is particularly useful for a two-person operation, where one person can load the basket while the other wraps the bundles. Next, use your electric bundler to wrap the bundle securely, ensuring it’s tight enough to hold the wood together but not so tight that it damages the wood or the wrap. Finally, consider adding a label to your bundles for branding purposes, making them stand out on store shelves.
3 Key Tips for Success
Use Preload Baskets for Efficiency: If you’re running a small business, investing in preload baskets can significantly increase your productivity. They allow you to organize your wood before bundling, making the process smoother and faster.
Adjust Tension Carefully: The tension setting on your bundler is crucial for creating secure bundles. Too loose, and the bundle may fall apart; too tight, and you risk damaging the wood or the wrap. Test different settings to find the sweet spot.
Keep Your Bundler Maintained: Regular maintenance of your electric firewood bundler will ensure it runs smoothly and lasts longer. Clean it regularly, check for any worn parts, and replace them as needed to avoid downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to bundle firewood with the electric bundler?
The Hud-Son Electric Firewood Bundler takes about six seconds per revolution to wrap a bundle. This speed is ideal for consistent and secure wrapping without sacrificing productivity.
2. Can I adjust the size of the firewood bundles?
Yes, the electric bundler allows you to customize the size of your bundles. You can adjust the tension and wrap the wood according to your specific needs and customer preferences.
3. Is the electric firewood bundler easy to maintain?
Absolutely! The electric bundler is designed for ease of maintenance. Regular cleaning and occasional checks for worn parts are usually all that’s needed to keep it running efficiently.
In conclusion, an electric firewood bundler is a worthwhile investment for anyone in the firewood business. Its speed, ease of use, and ability to produce consistent, high-quality bundles make it an essential tool for increasing productivity and profitability.
Check out the Hud-Son Dirt Topsoil Screener in action! This efficient machine separates fine topsoil from larger debris with adjustable screen sizes and easy maintenance features. Learn how to properly load, screen, and maintain your topsoil screener for optimal performance. Perfect for landscapers, greenhouses, and park services, this video provides essential tips to ensure your machine runs smoothly and effectively.
Hud-Son Forest Equipment is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Homesteaders of America Conference 2024. This event promises to be a must attend event for current and future homesteaders. Come fellowship with other homesteaders, learn new techniques, listen to guest speaker, and see live demos of products tailored for homesteading!
Hud-Son’s will be showcased at the Homesteader of America Event!
Come and put your hands on several pieces of the Hud-Son line, be able to try out our products and see the results and just how simple and well built the Hud-Son Sawmill are. Live demos all day. Come and make some sawdust and new friends!
Come See Hud-Son Forest Equipment Factory Reps, Get your hands on the Hud-Son American Made Line of Equipment! Hope to see you there! Contact Us at 800-765-7297 for more info about Hud-Son Forest Equipment!
YouTubers Two Brothers Outdoors, What’s under the tarp?
What do you got here? Let me look! No, no, no! Pick up the tarp, I want to see! Pick up the tarp! I want to see what you got. All right, no. Any of you guys are interested in this Patriot with all the modifications on it? This sawmill is for sale contact us at twobrothersoutdoors@yahoo.com and we will talk to you about purchasing this mill.
Hello everybody and welcome back to our Channel Two Brothers Outdoors! You watch the road we are on the way to pick up something from one of our favorite places to visit so make sure you stick with us and find out what it is. Just got done text messaging, “The Kilted Sawyer”, he’s up off early this morning. He’s on the west coast and he must be open for breakfast.
All right guys stick with us. It’ll be a fun day! Oh yeah, where we at now we got to make a right at this light 28 North. Are we going to Boonville? Nope we’re not going to Boonville! Oh oh look at that we going to get our propane filled at that building right there we’re going to kooks like Hud-Son Forest Equipment!!!
Hey Rick there’s a Jeep for sale. Yeah see, I couldn’t afford that let’s pull over here yep. Let’s pull over there . We have arrived at our destination! Why in the world do you got such a long trailer behind your truck?
I got to go pick up my peavy! LOL! I mean my cant hook! LOL
Well 8:01 doors are open morning. How you doing, John? Hope you don’t mind we’re videoing. Good morning, today’s the day. Yes it is here right on time.
Excited for the mill! He didn’t sleep last night. Tim is over there conversing with the locals. Let’s see if we can find something with his name on it. Here that looks like a Two Brothers Outdoors sawmill!
Look at all these antique chainsaws. Every one of them up on the top shelf hanging on the ceiling. There’s all kinds of saws.
I think I’m like standing in the middle of a candy store. I don’t know if you guys realized too obviously are the same setup but on the Oscar 336 log dogs
we utilize this tab here. To pull this dog out of the out of the wood. Rick’s got it.
Busy place on a Saturday morning. What do you think he’s in la la land. He’s not thinking today at all. Nothin. He’s like a kid in a candy store and Christmas wish list. Let’s see here. These might work. Nice on the log arches.
All right guys, we are leaving the candy store and heading home to assemble this thing. He wants to run it today. Bye to you Two Brothers Outdoors, bye bye guys.
Nichole, have a good drive home, we appreciate you! Thank you, we appreciate it. Alright, bye!!
Guys we are heading home to set up the new sawmill that Tim just bought. Unfortunately, Tim’s new purchase means that I’m going to be working my butt off today. Hey, I appreciate it!
Well guys this has kind of been a cluster. We have a neighbor that has a tractor with forks and a bucket but he had shoulder surgery Wednesday. He’s out of it but the old 8N Hydraulics was able to pick it up. Got it off the trailer and all we’re going to try to do now is snake it around here and put it on the track. All right guys, we got the mill on the track, putting the track together, and it appears that the ground goes a little bit steeper than he thought.
So we talked to a guy today about bringing some fill down and I think we’re going to leave the blocks just like that filling around them. That’ll give him like a frost line. Boy, ground does not look that level, does it? I have to get a gangplank to follow the mill down of course. The black flies are out. A little warmer today than it has been. They are not bad yet but they’re out.
That would be the stops to keep the mill from going off the end of the track. That’s always a good thing. Okay, looking good.
All right, so that’s got to go. I put this on there. Oh you already got it mounted on there already. Yep now I’ll mount the box and we still got to string the cable. Might as we get all the mods done before we put it into service.
Absolutely all right. First mod is an electric winch. See what we got. Oh yeah you did great on this one!
All right don’t go too far down. Let it hang a little bit okay. That one works. Make sure to put some thick powder coat on guys.
We are making final adjustments on this and then we going to put this notty log on here cuz he is determined to use the mill today.
But once we got it level which is 9 feet in the air down we modify the dogs. He’ll paint those tomorrow and he put the electric winch on it.
That came out pretty nice that hand winch setup was made it real nice for the electric winch. It comes over the top of this pulley right there which is the same thing is a wheel believe so we’re about ready to go here
I ain’t going to be able to do that. You go saw with it for his first time. He will we will get to this dog later date. Probably next Monday we’re going to drill these
corners and these junctions right here. Put in some adjustable fine adjustment pads and then I’ll you got to do is fill in around the mill only 4 tons of dirt won’t
be bad. Till’s upset cuz she can’t come down here the electric fence won’t let her okay. We moved that dog and log stop from that point to this point that puts
them a little closer together but that’s the way I have mine set up. Makes it a little easier the log’s going to sit on that bunk and then hang over that bunk right
there.
All right we’re going to get the log on there. He’s going to go get some coolant for the mill and we’re going to fire this thing up. All right it’s got to be very careful setting this down because the track is not tied down. But we got the log on it move the tractor out of the way. Looks like we might need to tow that board up. Tow that log up a little bit he’s going to start is quite upset because she can’t get down.
Here that is her boundary right there and she knows it that collar around her neck will beep. All right we going to fire it up for the first time got gas turned on.
Yeah probably not all these new fangled things he’s not used to this. Did you check the oil in it? Right I checked oil yeah. Oh look at that put gas to it it. Fires right
up now. You got to dog it down. Got to dog the log down. Dog this end cuz we’re going to tow board the other end. No, we not pick up H there you go. I’ll push it
down. You’ll get used to it all right. Hold on just a minute. Going to toe board it up. Get a board okay. So this is one of those self-warming engines once it warms
up it shuts off. You have to go under the second bunk I think toeboard it up but now he’s got to move the log that way to put the dog down or the log stop down there. You got to lock this like this every time pull back pull it down pull it down before you go in with it pull the handle down to make sure it’s right. Now pick the handle up and push it down okay. It works pretty easy once you get used to it so anyway. He thought he had gas in it because the bottom of the tank was wet but this one takes a little more gas. Careful you don’t trip over that board.
Now just to point this out you might think we’re just saw this log just for the fun of it. He’s got to have a bunch of boards to put a new building over this mill so that log is going to be cut into boards for the building for this mill. Alright guys now we walked into Hud-Son Forest Equipment at 1 minute after 8 this morning. Hud-Son is about 50 minutes from here. Picked the mill up, brought it home, it is now 4:20 and we are going to make our first cut on this mill .
What we doing 2x4s 2x4s first right. All right got to make a little adjustment on his guide. Right his offside guide was out too far this way.
We moved it in hopefully it’s an awful notty log. Hopefully he can clear the knots if not we’ll grab a chainsaw out of the back of his four-wheeler here and knock some of these knots off.
Date: Oct. 4 – 6th, 2024
Location: Guernsey County Fairgrounds, Lore City, OH
Event: The Paul Bunyan Show
Website: The Paul Bunyan Show
Hud-Son Forest Equipment is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Paul Bunyan Show. This event promises to be a hub of innovation, expertise, and networking opportunities for forestry professionals. Get ready to explore and connect with industry leaders!
Hud-Son’s Showcase at The Paul Bunyan Show
Are you curious about what the future of forestry looks like? Look no further than Hud-Son’s exhibit. Here, we’ll be showcasing our latest equipment, from portable sawmills to innovative wood processors, designed and built in the USA. Engage with our experts, who’ll be on hand to discuss how our equipment can revolutionize your operations.
Connecting with Industry Experts
Why just read about industry trends when you can experience them firsthand? The Paul Bunyan Show is the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the forestry world. Hud-Son’s team of seasoned professionals will be sharing insights on emerging trends, and much more. This is your chance to put your hands on equipment, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections with fellow enthusiasts and experts.
Live Demonstrations and Interactive Sessions
Ever wondered how Hud-Son’s equipment operates in real-time? Our live demonstrations will provide an up-close and personal view of our machines in action. Witness the power and efficiency of Hud-son’s line of products and see for yourself why Hud-Son is a trusted name in the forest equipment industry.
The Northern Logger Expo is more than just an event; it’s a gathering of minds and a celebration of forestry innovation. Hud-Son is proud to be a part of this vibrant community. We can’t wait to meet you, share our knowledge, and show you what makes our equipment stand out. Mark your calendars, and let’s make this an event to remember!
We’re going to go over a quick video today on how to align your bandwheel.
Remove the bolts on your bearings to make the bandwheel adjustment.
To start, get your wheel tracking properly.
So in this case we’re going to assume that this bad blade is running off the back side of the band wheel too far.
We know we always want it flush on our 36 mills and on our little mills.
So I was looking for the blade to be flush on the back side.
So right now we’re going to assume that the blade is going too far that way toward the operator.
We want to move the blade this way.
So we’re going to make the adjustment on this bearing.
Bring that blade this way.
Right now technician Griffen is going to go through the steps and show you how to perform that procedure.
First off we’re going to loosen up our bearing.
just crack it loose and then we’re gonna take the nut off the back side of the jam bolt and loosen that up.
That way we can tight natural loosen it where that blade needs to go.
Currently we have tension on the blade to make this fine tune adjustment is just taking the torque off the bolts because they were already torqued.
We’re probably loosen them up to about 40 foot-pounds or less maybe 35 PSI.
This bearing here.
The shaft will pivot in the bearing housing so when he moves that bearing over there it’s not going to affect it over here.
It’s just going to move in a whisker.
Once he turns that bolt and he moves that bolt he’s going to push that bearing that way which will push this band wheel this way to bring your blade over.
Now what I’m going to do is just loosen the nut on the back side of the jam bolt here.
That’s just loose now.
I could either loosen this or tighten this accordingly.
If our band blade is riding on this side of the wheel then I would need to tighten this jam bolt to move the whole shaft and the bearing this way.
I’m going to tighten this up here and that’s going to move my whole bearing and shaft now spin the blade to see which direction you need to go.
So just doing that little bit actually pushed it past the point where I need to be, so I would have to come and do this on the other side and vice versa.
Push this side and give it to pivot the other way.
So I can get my fan blade on the line.
That’s pretty much all there is to it.
Once you get it aligned you start tracking your blades properly.
It’s hitting the back side of the wheel like it should be then you go ahead and re-torque your bearings back to the 35 PSI like it should be and you’re back in business!
Bring your jam back up snug to the bearing it will be there because you just moved it.
Make sure you re-tighten the jam nut so it can’t come loose.
Connecting with Industry Experts
